WASHINGTON (Michigan News Source) – The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a stay, pending an appeal in the Agee v. Benson case challenging the legislative maps drawn by Michigan’s districting commission, ruling in favor of a lower court’s decision that would require the state’s redistricting commission to redraw more than a dozen legislative boundaries. 

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) was seeking an appeal to the lower court’s ruling which would require it to redraw the boundaries ahead of the upcoming special elections. 

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson weighs in.

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Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson encouraged Michiganders to participate in the public forums taking place in Detroit this week. 

“All Michigan citizens deserve a government that works for them and reflects our state’s vibrant diverse communities and perspectives,” said Secretary Benson. “As the state’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission gets to work redrawing legislative districts in southeast Michigan, I hope all citizens will actively participate and provide their input throughout the Commission’s upcoming open meetings.  I fully expect the Commission will listen closely to citizen input and incorporate it into the newly independently drawn districts. My commitment to maintaining fair and secure elections remains steadfast, and I look forward to working with our clerks in the months ahead to ensure everyone is ready and prepared to administer safe and accessible elections this year.”

Benson also filed a brief that laid out administrative considerations for redrawing legislative maps to ensure the election can be conducted successfully. 

Redistricting Commission hosts sessions for public input.

  • Wednesday, January 24 from 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Cadillac Place.
  • Thursday, January 25 from 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Cadillac Place.
  • Friday, January 26 from 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Cadillac Place.

“This new redistricting process places a premium on public input,” emphasized Commissioner Cynthia Orton, MICRC chairperson. “We strongly encourage the public to sign-up to provide live or remote public comments. In addition, the public can provide comments through our portals located at the Commission’s website or mail us a letter.” 

How do I participate?

The Commission asks that the public sign-up for live, virtual, or written public comment using Public Comment Form here. Public comments will occur at the beginning of each meeting, and the sign up for in-person public comment will close when the public comment portion of the agenda ends at the meeting. 

“Sign-up for virtual or remote public comment will close one hour prior to the meeting start time,” according to the commission. “For in-person or virtual public comments, each person will have at least 90 seconds to speak.”

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Those interested in seeing the mapping portals can access them here, and a copy of the agenda for each day can be found here.